Ryan, 28, is a Canadian native who played wide receiver and punted for the University of Regina. He then began his pro career as a punter for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL before signing with the Green Bay Packers.

The Seahawks signed him in 2008 to replace Ryan Plackemeir and he averaged 45.6 yards a kick last year and 46.2 this past season.

His 46.2 average ranked eighth in the NFL, though his net of 38.7 (with return yardage subtracted) was 15th.

Although the Seahawks are still looking for a general manager, obviously they are moving forward with some moves under interim GM Ruston Webster.

Ryan told his hometown paper the Seahawks contacted his agent last Tuesday and negotiations were done by Saturday.

“It came right out of the blue,” Ryan told the Leader-Post. “I wasn’t sure how long they wanted to get me for. To see that they are serious makes you feel good. I was in a situation earlier in my NFL career where I didn’t feel that appreciated and we know how that ended, so to be in a situation where they do want me for a long time is quite a compliment.”

Ryan is one of five Seahawks who would have been restricted free agents under the current Collective Bargaining situation, along with Rob Sims, Chris Spencer, Darryl Tapp and Lance Laury.